Lake Wanaka, Views from Rocky Mountain 1/3

Here the Matukituki river joins Wanaka with the island of Mou Tapu and "The Peninsular" beyond

Lake Wanaka is in the centre of the Otago Lakes region of the lower South Island of New Zealand. It lies in a u-shaped valley formed by glacial erosion during the last ice age, more than 10,000 years ago. It is fed by the Matukituki and Makarora Rivers, and is the source of the Clutha River.

Lake Wanaka lies at an altitude of 300 metres and also a depth of 300 metres; it covers an area of 74 sq miles, and is New Zealand's fourth largest lake. At its greatest extent, the lake is 42 kilometres long and at its widest point 10 kilometres.

Numerous small islands are to be found at the southern end of the lake, with some now serving as ecological sanctuaries.

Rocky Mountain is located 10 miles west of the township of Wanaka and its summit is 775m high, and offers some spectacular views over Lake Wanaka. The track to the summit is a 3 hour trek and takes in the circular Diamond Lake walk.